Keaway Lafonz Ivy, 21
Keaway Lafonz Ivy, 21, shot dead filming a rap music video in Maryland Handout

An aspiring rapper was shot dead with a prop gun, while filming a music video in a Maryland housing project.

Keaway Lafonz Ivy, 21, was killed by a single gunshot in Seat Pleasant on Wednesday night.

Law enforcement sources told ABC 7 that Ivy, who went by the stage name Kealo, was one of 20 people filming the rap video, when a prop gun being used went off, with the shot killing Ivy.

Police said their investigation was focussed on establishing whether the shooting was accidental or deliberate.

The crime was subsequently classed as a homicide, and a $25,000 award has been offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

Lafonzo Leonard Iracks, 21, was arrested on Thursday and charged in connection with Ivy's death, reports 4NBC.

Ivy was a prolific YouTube artist, who regularly made low-budget music videos featuring himself and his friends.